<p> Statewide Multicultural & Diverse Learners Module</p><p>Developing Cultural Proficiency</p><p>Research has repeatedly shown that culturally proficient teachers can have positive impact on the academic achievement, emotional and social growth, and behavior of students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It is the intent of this module to help educators understand the diversity among cultures and students, but most importantly, to understand how our perception of cultural and linguistic differences influences our expectations as educators and service providers.</p><p>The module is based on a culture general approach. Rather than describing characteristics of specific cultures, the module encourages participants to consider the influence of culture on the teaching/learning process. Participants will have the opportunity to examine their own cultural assumptions and biases as well as explore strategies for effective cross-cultural communication and the delivery of culturally responsive instruction.</p><p>Objectives: </p><p> To increase cultural self-awareness and explore the cultural norms of the organization in which you work.  To become familiar with aspects of cultural variability and the influence of culture on values and behavior.  To develop skills to understand and positively manage cross-cultural conflicts.  To examine the elements of culturally responsive pedagogy and apply this knowledge to instructional planning and delivery.  To discuss the importance of sharing cultural knowledge to influence policies and practices</p>